News

On 16 November, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekūnas and the newly appointed Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Riekstinis, who came to Vilnius on his working visit, discussed important issues of bilateral relations, the European Union agenda and regional cooperation. Ministers emphasized the necessity for the Baltic States to speak with one voice on the issues of the EU energy policy, relations with Russia, the European Neighbourhood policy, international security and transatlantic cooperation.

Speaking about the proposal of France to establish a “wise persons” group to discuss the future of the EU, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that at least one representative of the Baltic States should be appointed to this group.

During the meeting Minister P.Vaitiekūnas suggested to take concrete steps creating common information space in the Baltic States. The creation of the common information space, according to P.Vaitiekūnas, could start in Lithuania and Latvia.

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Latvia also stressed that it was necessary to forward the implementation of common projects, which would reduce the energy isolation of the Baltic States and improve the communication with Europe. It was agreed to continue to coordinate actions closely, seeking to achieve this goal.

Ministers expressed gratification with the excellent political dialogue between Lithuania and Latvia. The Head of Latvia’s diplomacy M.Riekstinis also emphasized that Lithuania was the greatest Latvia’s trade partner.

Ministers also evaluated positively the activity of Lithuanian and Latvian forum, in popularising the teaching of the Baltic languages, youth exchange and cultural projects both in Lithuania and Latvia. P.Vaitiekūnas and M.Riekstinis agreed to continue supporting these initiatives.

P.Vaitiekūnas and M.Riekstinis were pleased with the approaching joining of the Schengen Acquis by the countries and encouraged the governments of both countries to renew rapidly the network of the local roads, which are intersecting the border of the States, and which could improve the communication of the inhabitants of the border zone.